Meaning of Word:
Relevant describes something that is closely connected to the matter at hand, important to the current situation, or applicable to a particular context.
Definitions and Meaning in English:
- As an adjective:
- Having direct bearing on or significant importance to a subject or issue (e.g., “Her comments were highly relevant to the discussion on climate change”).
- Pertinent or applicable to a specific task, situation, or subject (e.g., “The article contains relevant information about the new policy”).
- Of substantial importance or significance (e.g., “His background in law makes him relevant for the legal team”).
History and Origin:
The word relevant derives from the Latin relevare, meaning “to raise” or “to lighten,” evolving in Old French to the form relever meaning “to raise or lift up.” By the early 15th century, it had come into English usage with the meaning “having a bearing on something.”
Detailed Explanation:
- Connection to Context: When something is described as relevant, it means it has an important or practical connection to the topic or situation being considered. For example, in a business meeting, a relevant report would directly address issues affecting the company’s goals.
- Importance in Decision-Making: Relevance is crucial in many areas such as law, education, and research. For example, when preparing for a trial, only the relevant evidence is considered; similarly, relevant data is required to support scientific research.
- Exclusion of Irrelevant Information: What is relevant is typically distinguished from information that does not serve the purpose of the task or topic, which may be seen as irrelevant or extraneous. For example, in a job interview, relevant experience should be prioritized over unrelated personal anecdotes.
Example Sentences:
- His experience in international relations makes him relevant to the diplomatic discussion.
- The teacher asked for relevant examples to illustrate the concept.
- Only relevant materials will be included in the report.
- The lawyer only presented relevant evidence in court.
- Are these documents relevant to the current investigation?
- The information was not relevant to the topic being discussed.
- You should focus on the relevant sections of the article for your assignment.
- Her input was relevant to the project and helped guide the next steps.
- The research findings are relevant to our ongoing studies in the field.
Synonyms with Short Explanation:
- Pertinent: Directly related to a subject or issue, very similar to relevant but often used in formal contexts.
- Applicable: Suitable or appropriate for a particular purpose or situation.
- Appropriate: Suitable for the specific circumstances, implying a correct or fitting relationship.
- Material: Significant or important in relation to the subject at hand, often used in legal or formal contexts.
- Significant: Of great importance, often used to emphasize the impact or weight of the connection to a subject.
Related Words with Short Explanation:
- Contextual: Pertaining to the circumstances or context, often used in academic or literary discussions.
- Corresponding: Matching or similar, particularly when describing items that align with a topic or issue.
- Connected: Linked or associated with, often implying a deeper relationship.
- Influential: Having a significant effect, typically related to the relevance of an idea or person in a specific situation.
- Substantial: Of considerable importance or size, frequently used to describe highly relevant matters.
More Matches with Short Explanation:
- Vital: Essential or necessary, indicating the importance of relevance in certain contexts.
- Indispensable: Absolutely necessary, often used in cases where relevance is critical.
- Key: Central or crucial, suggesting something that holds significant relevance.
- Direct: Closely related or connected, highlighting a sharp relevance.
- Influential: Having power to affect or shape outcomes, closely linked with relevance in certain scenarios.
Antonyms:
- Irrelevant: Not connected with or important to the matter at hand.
- Immaterial: Not significant or important in a particular context.
- Unrelated: Not connected or linked with the topic or situation being discussed.
- Extraneous: Not essential or relevant to the subject; unnecessary.
- Inapplicable: Not relevant or suitable for the situation at hand.